Overview
Enrollment
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Online | sfsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
San Francisco State University (SFSU), a public university located in San Francisco, California, offers a diverse and comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1899 as a normal school for aspiring teachers, the institution has evolved into a significant urban campus known for its liberal arts and sciences, and has gained prominence for its competitive cinema and ethnic studies programs. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, SFSU presents a stimulating environment with its modern architecture interspersed with green spaces. The university's application process is generally selective, drawing a sizable number of applicants each year. SFSU provides on-campus housing options to accommodate a proportion of its student body. While the university participates in NCAA Division II athletics as the Gators, it is not primarily recognized for its sports programs.
In the most recent statistical year 29,932 prospective students applied, and 28,195 were granted admission. Of those admitted 3,339 enrolled in the school. 19,463 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 5,819 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $5,742 plus fees of $1,782. San Francisco State is ranked 789 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
San Francisco State is rated within the lower 41% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for San Francisco State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#789 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#285 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#49 in Best Colleges in California
#18 in Best Public Colleges in California
#198 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1130 |
| ACT | 16/23 |
| GPA | 3.31 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Nov 30, 2023 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,099 |
| Other Fees | $1,782 |
| Room and Board | $17,955 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,547 |
| Total One Year Cost | $29,125 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,099 |
| Other Fees | $1,782 |
| Room and Board | $17,955 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,547 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,005 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 9% |
| Psychology | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering San Francisco State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122597 IPEDS survey data for San Francisco State University.
Current students may use the San Francisco State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.